Jethro’s Visit

The story of Jethro coming to the aid of Moses is an echo of an earlier story. In fact, so are the first eighteen chapters of Exodus. In them, we find a creation narrative patterned after Genesis 1. You could sum their message succinctly as, “And God said, ‘Let there be Israel.’ And it was so.” The newly-minted nation, like the newly-formed earth, is good. Moses has been charged with its care, but the task soon proves to be too much for one person. Observing his solo leadership efforts, Jethro says, “What you are doing is not good” (Exodus 18:17).

Not good.

Jethro’s words echo God’s words in Genesis 2: “It is not good for the man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). If there is to be orderly ruling and subduing, if there is to be fruitfulness and multiplication as God has decreed, the work cannot be done alone. Just as God provided Eve to be a necessary ally to Adam, He now provides Jethro and the leaders of Israel to be necessary allies to Moses.

Don’t miss this: The concept of self-reliance is wholly foreign to the Christian faith. We are created to need God and others. We are designed for interdependence and community. There is no such thing as a Lone Ranger Christian. It matters that we understand this as we listen for the echo of our own story in that of Moses.

Every believer’s story is this: “And God said, ‘Let there be new life,’ and it was so.” You and I may not be called to bring orderly rule to a nation, as Moses did, but we are called to submit our hearts to God as He brings orderly rule to our hearts as new creations in Christ. The Bible calls this sanctification. In God’s name, we take dominion over sin. We cultivate the fruitfulness of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22). Like Moses and Adam, we are called to rule and subdue, to be fruitful and multiply. And like them, it is not good to attempt the good work alone. Nor is it necessary. God has provided necessary allies for us.

First, He has sent His Spirit to comfort and convict. Any effort to grow in holiness apart from the help of the Spirit will teach us, as Jethro says, “The thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone” (Exodus 18:18). But He also sends help in the form of Christian community. He provides us teachers to guide us through the scriptures, mentors to guide us in wisdom, brothers and sisters to encourage us and hold us accountable.

What sin are you striving to rule in your own strength? The thing is too heavy for you. Ask for the Spirit to train and convict you. Seek the ready help of the family of God. Trade self-reliance for the gift of dependence on the Spirit and interdependence with the saints. “So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. If you do this, God will direct you, you will be able to endure” (Exodus 18:22-23).

Jen Wilkin is a wife, mom to four great kids, and an advocate for women to love God with their minds through the faithful study of his Word. She writes, speaks, and teaches women the Bible. She lives in Flower Mound, Texas, and her family calls The Village Church home. Jen is the author of None Like Him: 10 Ways God Is Different from Us (and Why That’s a Good Thing) and Women of the Word: How to Study the Bible with Both Our Hearts and Our Minds.

Beautiful take on these verses. As someone who has dealt deeply with the pangs of self-reliance, seeking out therapy has been huge in transforming my spirit. I find it often frowned upon in some religious spaces, but I would argue therapists can be vessels in the same way Moses was. Rely on your Christian community, yes, but also don’t shy away from reaching out for more.

YES! She’s just massively raised the bar. Exodus is such a meaty book and after reading these passages I need someone to really explain what’s going on and what we can take away. This devotion is brilliant for that.

Who’s your crew? Self reliance is so common these days, to ask for help, we think, is weakness. And we deem weakness as *bad*. But when we know truth, we have a crew (like Jethro) to speak truth, our presumed weakness, is girded up in when I am weak I am made strong… because of the Holy Spirits work in me.

What comes to mind for me is in Exodus 17, when Moses’ hands grow tired from holding them up. Aaron and Hur are right there on either side, holding his hands up for him. I feel like that’s how our Christian community functions. When one grows tired or weary, we have others to help hold us up. It’s an awesome example of how our community works!

Wow! This message really struck a deep chord within me as I am a queen of self-reliance and often feel like a “closet Christian.” I love the comparison between the Exodus story and Genesis and between both of these stories and God’s intention for each of us. Thank you for taking the bigger picture and drawing it down to each individual person! Forgive me Lord for relying on self and not opening my eyes to your provision. I praise You for giving us your Holy Spirit, leaders and mentors to teach and guide us, and a community of other believers to encourage and support us along our journey.

What struck me as I read these passages is that Moses was doing what he felt like was his responsibility, but Jethro came along side him and said, “This is too much for you”. Often, I feel like I need to do it all, and I forget that my strength is finite, while God’s strength is infinite. I feel like asking for help is a weakness, when actually it is allowing others to come alongside and add their strength to mine. Lord, please help me to remember that my strength is not enough. Help me to lay down my pride and ask the people you have placed around me for help when I need it. Thank you for placing people in my life who are able and willing to help me when I need it.

Such a lovely reading. As a new believer this is my community for now and I am so grateful to have found it. I am learning so much and being moved and inspired everyday. Thank you #SheReadsTruth and thank you to all who take the time to post comments. I learn just as much from the comments as I do from the original posts.

This is such a great devo today! Sanctification is a process and It takes time AND community! :) I know I’m in the middle of the Lord sanctifying my mind and I need all the community I can get to encourage me and keep me moving in Gods direction. Thank you ladies for your continual support and viewpoints I might not see yet :)

I read that and all I could here was, “DELEGATE! DELEGATE! DELEGATE!”
I have been working really hard to ask for help and to delegate.
As Jethro said, “You will certainly wear our both yourself and these people who are with you, because the task is too heavy for you. You can’t do it alone (Ex. 18:18).”
Yes! I am getting weary and tired. I need to delegate and share the responsibilities and not try to be a control freak.

Soooo good today! I needed to be reminded of this. I am a Lone Ranger period. I also knew that I would have to get in community with other Christians in order to grow. That’s one of my focai this year. God designed us to be in community to sanctify us. And I find, when I allow the Lone Ranger mentality to steep into my spiritual life, I stop growing in faith. I pray that He gives us the faith to not fear our next move, and to ask for help. Amen.

Lord, thank you for telling me that I don’t have to go it alone. My shoulders aren’t made to carry all life’s struggles by myself. Thank you for your Holy Spirit and those who you send to help me. What a wonderful post this is.

As my community of sisters in Christ, please help me pray that my colonoscopy results come back with a good report. Always worrying about cancer since recovering from breast cancer. I loved reading this day’s study as I tend to keep things to myself, so that I do not burden others or so that I don’t hear negative stories. What I learned today is that I must seek the help of others. So here I am sharing this with you. Kind of hard, but grateful for this community of believers. Peace be with all of you.

Thank you for choosing to be vulnerable and not go it alone. I pray that, as you wait, you will not be anxious, that you will lift up all of your requests with thanksgiving, and I praise God that his peace, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

This is definitely something I struggle with. I want to be able to do things on my own. It’s a pride issue for sure. I don’t like being vulnerable. Or “saying the wrong thing” or “looking stupid”. But God designed us to need a community. I need to step out in faith, and take the actions I need to make it happen in my life.

Lately I have been feeling annoyed by people around me. I have also been feeling disappointed in people in general. The flip side of these feelings must be pride in myself, I’m guessing, which I hesitate to admit. I used to look forward to seeing these people every week but lately I feel my heart dim when I see them. One of my friends in particular needs my support and I have actually questioned her need (to myself). I don’t understand why I am feeling this way. Reading this today, that we were built for community and inter-reliance on each other, has shed light these feelings, which I am grateful for because I don’t want to feel this way anymore. I want to get back to loving the people in my community!

I’ve been struggling with a friendship lately that has been pretty significant in my life. We grew up in church together, and now, in our senior year, she’s told me that she needs to step away from our friendship for a little bit. I see her reasons, but, gosh, it hurts. What a sweet reminder this devotional was that I don’t have to do it alone. Even when I struggle with community, the Holy Spirit is there to guide me and grow me, and her as well.

Rely on him with all your heart, I too went through that last year during my senior year. It being a year later, looking back, I can tell you that God has a purpose behind this, you have the be the one looking at Him for guidance and direction. He will provide <3

As I read I kept thinking about how relevant the Word of God is. Moses had been separated from his wife and kids probably because of his work in the ministry. God sent wisdom in the form of his father-in-law to tell him he needed help. So glad he listened. So glad we have this example to learn from.

Yes Thank you and Amen to all of this! I had a tough day. So much so that I had to just let go and give it to God. All I could say~ His will not mine. So grateful for His promises. I too am thankful for all the encouragement and support here and also the reminder to seek first His kingdom.

A few people mentioned worry and anxiety here. This has been what has profoundly brought me to my knees recently. I mean rocked me to my core. What has helped me? Lots of prayer, much time in the bible (I mentioned in a comment below how I keep my bible and a flashlight in bed beside me to reach for when I wake up or can’t sleep at night), also working on SRT bible study and reading Jen Wilkin’s books. Seriously I am so excited that she wrote the devotional today. That was so nice to open up and see. She is one of my favorite Godly woman mentors. Lastly, I also have found this great gal on YouTube Anna Willemstein. She has great videos. Her ministry is directed toward young girls but honestly as a woman who is about to turn 50 (Yikes hard to believe!) I have gotten so much out of them. She does these in depth devotions on the Psalms with lots of great insight, fun day in the life videos and Scripture journaling where she reads a chapter of the bible and creates a fun journal page in a mixed media notebook (they are so meditative, I really want to give this try sometime myself!) She is fun and upbeat although she too has walked in the valley but has a great testimony of God’s promises. She speaks from the heart and is so sweet. I just love her! Sometimes you just have to soak in someone else’s journey of faith. It helps. It all helps! I just keep immersing myself in the Word in whatever way possible. Just taking it in all the ways that I can.

Sorry this is long but I am sincere in wanting to reach out to others who suffer with this issue of anxiety and worry. I think it affects many people. We are just subjected to so much lately. The world has been pushing back hard but God is greater. He has this all in His hands. Blessings sweet sisters ☺

I think, as a woman, so many times I find myself saying “No, I’ll do it.” , “I have so many things to do.” “I have to go do this or that.” And I see from this devotional that there are many things that I don’t have to do alone. Many things I need to give to God, or ask my support group for help on.

Doing it all seems possible until you actually try it, and you quickly get burnt out. I recently got a discipleship partner, as did my boyfriend, and in one session I already feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. None of us are perfect, but it is nice to know that now I am not the only one pointing him toward Jesus in his new walk. I have help. We cannot do it alone, and we shouldn’t try to. The body of Christ is an incredible thing. Seeing these two examples of godly delegation was so encouraging this morning.

What a sweet reminder. I know that we all have experienced this in one way or another. It’s almost humorous to me, because as humans, we naturally are wanting to hide the things we’ve done wrong or just keep them quiet. I know that I have done that in my daily life…ALL the time. We think, “if none knows, then it’s fine. I’ll just be able to work it out eventually.” I held on to some of my darkest demons and shoved them way deep in the closet for such a long time. It wasn’t until I was able to bring those out into the light, did I finally feel the weight of it all coming off of my shoulders. It’s humorous to me that even as believers, we try to hide things from God like He doesn’t already know.

I just started going to this new church and they really stress how important community is. They talk about how when you mess up or need to confess something, that you should have that group to fall back on. When we surround ourselves with likeminded people that have such a heart and fire for God, then we can pray and continue to work through those situations. The power of prayer is incredible.

So, like the scripture says, “You can’t do it alone.” Find your people, pray, and know that our God is bigger than any of our fears. The best way to experience Christ is by walking through the valleys. Just keep your attention focused on Him and you’ll be able to handle anything that this world throws at you.

Right now, life looks like the back end of a tapestry.. a mess… for all my family who are so desperately missing my grandson, who is still not home… the good news is we know he is still local, but is still in hiding… he is however sometimes on messenger so again thankful for these pockets of life giving hope…
Thank you sisters for your prayers and encouragement and hope giving words…. I have claimed each and every one… thank you…

Which ties in nicely with todays devotion…. what or where would I be without first, Gods love and Holy Spirit living in me…. and second, this band of sisters linked together by His word and love of Him.. I know there are prayers and arms raised where perhaps I am unable…
I am forever thankful for all the love and prayers and grace and kindness shown me in this messy and heart breaking time for my family and I…

Thank you sisters for everything big or small… all counts towards not doing this alone, but with love from all over the world… thank you for journeying with me…

Tina, I am in the war as well for my son who is 17. The enemy has a hold of their generation like no other. But we have a God who listens to our prayers and will fight for us. I would like to recommend 2 books that have really strengthened my prayer life 1). Praying the Scriptures for Your Teenagers: Discover How to Pray God’s Purpose for Their Lives by Jodie Berndt and 2). Fervent by Priscilla Shirer. They are both must reads as far as I’m concerned.
I will definitely be praying for Kane – please pray for my son JE as well. I would love to be “virtual prayer partners” with you – it would be nice to have someone in the trenches with me.

Thank you so much Valerie…for your lovely words if encouragement and friendship.
What a great idea to be prayer worries for and with each other…I live that idea… Starting today then I will hold JE up in prayer as I hold my kane up in prayer…
This is exactly the purpose of our well with our God…we do not do it alone and sister… here we are… for such a time as this… right???
Sending love wrapped hugs and prayers my precious sister across the pond. .xxx

thank you tina!!!
just knowing you will praying for my son gives me so much encouragement and strength!
and…locking arms with you AND churchmouse – forget it – the enemy hasn’t got a chance!!!
we cannot forget that we are not fighting against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, the authorities, the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms…(Eph 6:12)
so let’s armor up!!!
I wanted to share some quotes (regarding prayer) from the book Fervent I mentioned above – hopefully they will encourage and motivate you to keep fighting this battle on your knees.
“Prayer is the portal that brings the power of heaven down to earth.”
“Prayer is kryptonite to the enemy.”
“Prayer is how we tap into the power of heaven.”
“Prayer is how we gain our strength.”
“Prayer activates and infuses our armor with God Himself.”
P – prayer
R- releases
A – all
Y – your
E – eternal
R – resources

thank you churchmouse!!!
I am more than encouraged knowing you will be praying for my son and for me.
your comments here always speak to me and teach me and I look for them every day.
I consider you my “virtual mentor” :)
I will be keeping you lifted in prayer as well…..

Seeing Israel as being created here as a nation kind-of blew my mind! I’d never realized it was a family structure before and only on leaving Egypt is it numerous enough to need laws and judges. So they’re doing everything from scratch, really.

Fun fact about me – I can be very defensive. Hmmm…. you’re right that’s not a fun fact at all!
However, that’s why Ex18:24 stood out to me – “Moses listened to his father-in-law’s advice and followed his suggestions.”
If a conversation regarding my actions or behaviours starts with “It is not good”, my initial reaction is often to tune out. To put up the wall around my heart and carry on in my prideful arrogance.
How does this accomplish God’s purpose you ask? Well, I’ll tell you! It doesn’t.
It means I trust me more than God. It means I’m fearful of what God might ask me to do or not do. That I don’t have a surrendered heart and put my will above God’s.
God – that I would listen to understand and then test those words against yours. If they are truthful, change me. If they are not, help me to stand firm in Your truth and what You say about me. In the beautiful name of Jesus I pray – Amen.

I have been battling with a sinful heart the past couple days and feeling very defeated. My selfish heart is not changing despite prayer and pleading with God to help me change my attitude and love others like He loves us. Before opening the Word or SRT, I prayed that he would help me today with this and give me specific scriptures I could use in my battle throughout my day. I also prayed a new prayer: “Father, encourage me.” I have never prayed for God to ‘encourage’ me, but I am growing weary of fighting my sin and never changing and I really do need encouragement. What do you know? Today’s SRT devotional was basically speaking directly to me: “Any effort to grow in holiness apart from the help of the Spirit will teach us, as Jethro says, ‘The thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone’. What sin are you striving to rule in your own strength? The thing is too heavy for you. Ask for the Spirit to train and convict you. Seek the ready help of the family of God.” God has immediately answered my prayer and reminded me to lean on his Spirit and utilize the help of saints around me. Although I don’t have much of a local Christian community, I am thankful for those who have given their time to build this virtual community and God can use them both!

Praying Sarah that you can “cast all your cares upon Him”, that He would carry your burden and restore you. That God would send people into your life to create a loving community and that He would continue to grant you wisdom on who deserves your trust.
Don’t give up or become discouraged! Jesus has an unlimited amount of love and is quick to forgive a broken heart. Just keep looking to Him and He will light your way! Much love to you sister!!!!

How timely that the theme of my Lent readings yesterday in the MOSAIC BIBLE was Dependence–and that this prayer/poem by Dietrich Bonhoeffer was included:
I CANNOT DO THIS ALONE
O God, early in the morning I cry to you.
Help me to pray
And to concentrate my thoughts on you;
I cannot do this alone.

In me there is darkness,
But with you there is light;
I am lonely, but you do not leave me;
I am feeble in heart, but with you there is help;
I am restless, but with you there is peace.
In me there is bitterness, but with you there is patience;
I do not understand your ways,
But you know the way for me…

Restore me to liberty,
And enable me to live now
That I may answer before you and before men.
Lord, whatever this day may bring,
Your name be praised.
Amen.

This season of lent has reminded me of the hymn “trust and obey”. And today especially the words: “But we never can prove the delights of His love until all on the altar we lay…”. So sweet, rich, and true. As I’ve seen from others, anxiety has been affecting our minds and I’m praying for those who are dealing with that – that we attain wisdom from above, that we trust and share our burdens, but also that we trust and obey. Asking for prayers for myself as I can’t sleep, because I feel like I HAVE to worry. I know it’s not true but here I am.

Juliana I can so relate. Matthew 6:34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. Yet when the night rolls around it can be difficult for me as well. I often sleep with my bible and flash light beside me (true story), there to pick up and read when I can’t sleep. I will just read one of the Psalms, pray and try to rest in His word. I also have this go to scripture which often comforts me. Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand. Hope this helps. Praying for you!

Praying for you and many others including myself that we can repent of this sin of worry and give Him our concerns and anxieties and just REST in Him. It’s hard to glorify Him in everything we do if we aren’t resting in Him. Love to you sister.

Juliana, I know well the feeling of overwhelming anxiety and the feeling of HAVING to worry. It’s so suffocating. Remind your heart to breathe deeply and with every breath pray that the Spirit fill your heart and replace the feelings of anxiety. Sending prayers that you find rest in His peace, sister!

This reading helped me so much with the anxiety I face every day. It can make you feel like you’re drowning, but what a beautiful picture of our sanctification. God promises to finish the good work He started in us. I pray we will all see the peace of the spirit. In Jesus name! Amen!

Amanda-“It’s hard to glorify Him in everything we do if we aren’t resting in Him.”
This is profound. Thank you for this truth. I know that I too have been trying to do everything on my own-just trying to meet the demands of my schedule-and I feel worn down. I’m not truly resting. And definitely haven’t been resting in Him.

This reading was edifying to the soul this morning. Just for us to gather with one another here to study God’s word together shows our spiritual maturity. We are a people who seek help along this walk in Christ and I’m so very thankful. It’s my prayer that we continue to grow and share together. Be blessed!

I’m moved by the word today as I️ have been praying for God to reveal himself, his actions and his character to me. The question on my heart is how do we know the mentors and leaders over us are appointed by God?

Sasha, that is a question that has plagued me from time to time, too. The best answer I have found is to compare their teachings to God’s Word, the Bible. If the teaching is consistent with Biblical principles, I can trust it; if not, then they are not faithfully delivering God’s message. You learn the Word by reading, studying, and memorizing it; I frequently use commentaries to help me understand, and my rule is that if two or more commentaries agree on an interpretation, I can rely on it. I particularly like Warren Wiersbe’s “Be” series because he tells you when men of good conscience disagree about a particular point.

I got stressed by this very question when I started watching Pastor Steven Furtick’s sermons from Elevation Church online. They spoke to me, but there are a lot of other pastors who have challenged whether Pastor Furtick is a true Christian. Paul’s advice from Philippians 1:15-18 helped me with this: “But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.”

I can relate to your question as well. When I was in college I had a pastor who taught me so much and truly helped to form my Christian beliefs. Years later I learned that he had had serious moral failings even while I was in that church. I questioned whether or not I could trust what he had taught me. Then I realized that even though he wasn’t ‘perfect’ God was still able to use him.
That said, I believe that we should always question what we are taught and measure it against God’s word. If in doubt, go with the Bible!

This reading speaks volumes to me. I constantly struggle with being dependent with God and Jesus. The past few days I’ve been deeply stricken with anxiety and depression and am turning to you all and asking for prayers that I continue to turn towards the light rather than the dark.

You are in my prayers this morning. God is good, trust in Him. I enjoyed yesterday’s verse…Exodus 14:13 “And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today…”

Praying for you Heather I too suffer from anxiety. I have been deep in bible study and the word trying to work through it. I am also in therapy and taking medication. It’s a low dose but never the less I am finding it necessary for now. I will be heading into a move soon so I am hoping once I settle in I can find a new home church and I will continue to check in and pray about my course that I am taking. The most important thing I can say is don’t do this alone. Reach out to friends, family, church community. I am in a kind of isolated place right now. I wish I wasn’t but I’m trusting that God is working this out for me. I had lots of changes and trials that I have had to work through that’s why I had to at least reach out for therapy. It’s all good. Just attack this hard. Go after what you need. Put on your full armor of God – Ephesians 6:10-18 You are worthy of all you need to feel at Peace! Remember God did not give us the spirit of fear 2 Timothy 1:7. Writing in a journal helps too! Take Care I with you on this. Praying!

We are called to submit our hearts to the orderly rule of God. This requires trust- trust that his way is better than ours, even if it doesn’t feel like in the moment. I’m struggling with this right now, trusting that God hasn’t forgotten me and is still writing my story even if it seems like there’s multiple dead ends.

Praying that your soon realize how God is orchestrating His plan for your life and that the twists and turns will be, in hindsight, all working together for good. God never forgets His own!! Never ever.

““Can a mother forget the infant at her breast, walk away from the baby she bore? But even if mothers forget, I’d never forget you—never. Look, I’ve written your names on the backs of my hands. The walls you’re rebuilding are never out of my sight. Your builders are faster than your wreckers. The demolition crews are gone for good. Look up, look around, look well! See them all gathering, coming to you? As sure as I am the living God”— GOD ’s Decree— “you’re going to put them on like so much jewelry, you’re going to use them to dress up like a bride.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭49:15-18‬ ‭MSG‬‬http://bible.com/97/isa.49.15-18.msg

This was such a necessary reminder for me. I am all too often the “do it all yourself and you are weak if you ask for help” kind of person—but this only breeds emptiness and tiredness. God has placed us in a community for a reason. I am grateful for the small group of ladies he has formed around me who I can lean on and trust to call me out in love! Praying also that God would bring a man after his own heart into my life to be a partner in working out our faith together! I fully believe it is not good to be alone.

One thing that stood out to me in this reading was that in the acts scripture we learn that once the additional men were selected to help serve, many more people were blessed and came to know God. This speaks volumes to me! Not only is community critical to our own spiritual growth, health and well being, but it also multiplies the reach to others who need Jesus.

It’s sometimes so difficult to change a mindset. Culture tells us we can have it all and do it all. So we strive to get a good education to get that good career to get financial security to eventually retire and enjoy the good life we worked so hard to achieve. The focus is on me and my goals and my effort. Ahhhh but the Bible tells us to have a different mindset. The Bible tells us to rely on God. We are to seek first His kingdom. It’s interesting to me that part of Moses’ job description while he was judging the people’s disputes was to “teach them God’s statutes and laws.” Moses kept pointing them back to God and His ways. Culture would point us in a different direction. Holy Spirit, help me to keep the right focus. Help me to not turn to the right or to the left but help me press on to finish strong in Your way. Thank you for fellow believers who encourage me and challenge me and correct me as I go on this faith journey. Bless them as they have blessed me. Amen.

This is so true. Thank you for sharing! Living in Aisa with an entrenched ‘you need to be successful’ mindset really goes against kingdom principles. Please pray that I will indeed learn to seek first His kingdom above all else.

yes!
our culture is on the broad road heading straight towards the wide gate – leading straight to destruction.
we cannot stay on the narrow road and enter through the small gate, which leads to life on our own.
Holy Spirit we need you!
just as churchmouse said – “help us to not turn to the right or to the left but help us press on to finish in Your Way”

I too was struck by this statement. I struggle with the sin of self reliance so often…. I am praying today to not slip into the trap of the enemy in trying to be self reliant but to embrace the GIFT of dependence on The Spirit and interdependence with other saints. Today I begin by sharing here. :)

Raghild may I encourage you with this on this scripture. I love how we serve a practical God who knows what we will struggle with and gives us the answers.

I have learned telling God what I need, the. Praising him for the answers and what he will do helps me let go of my worries and anxious thoughts. Peace replaces the worry!

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:6-7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This past week was definitely a step into a refiner’s fire. Talk about hot mess. As I was struggling with peace and constant anxiety,, I stopped and prayed one more time. This time I got down on my face and just confessed my fear and struggle with all of it. Begging God to rescue and bring us out of this trial, I heard him ask, “do you trust me?” My heart wanted to give a quick “of course I do”. But i knew he knew I wasn’t trusting him. I wanted this to end the way I wanted. I was praying for him to please make sure that His Will would be my will. Then the question “do you trust me to take you from this life into the next when you die?” Now I could affirmatively answer with a resounding “yes!” Then the firm reminder, “This is much easier. I’ve got this!” Then it came, “Thy Will Be done!” Peace that passes all human comprehension has been mine since that time. I have no idea what the outcome will be. But it will be his will. I know that He does keep his promises. Like those great witnesses of Hebrews 11, “It was by faith”. He is worthy And able and faithful. All I needed to do was to surrender to HIs Will…by faith in the one who is able to take me from this life into the next. Glory to God.

My husband and I have been enjoying sharing the She Reads Truth and the He Reads Truth devotionals with each other during our morning devotional time for a few years. It has been a huge blessing to us and we can’t thank you enough for what you all are doing. I just wanted to make a tiny suggestion. Perhaps one of the She Reads Truth staff could take a minute to proof read what the men write before it is published. Ours are almost always perfect, while what the men write usually contains an odd little typo. See today’s reading for an example (cahtwnnot). I hate to even say anything because the content is so good, but the typos often make it difficult to read.

“Don’t miss this: the concept of self-reliance is wholly foreign to the Christian faith”. In hard and difficult things, I wrestle, and ultimately cling to the Lord. My husband and I have a good challenge ahead, which involves moving. Because it is good, I was thinking and relying on myself and husband – what a joy to know that God is in this good situation and calling me to rely upon and trust him.

praying for you! My husband and I also just had a huge opportunity that was clearly ordained by God for us, but it also involved moving. We wanted to back out many times and just give up because we had to go across the country with 2 little ones. But God came through with every detail for us time and time again and really strengthened our faith through it all. focus on Him and trust in Him through all the worry and the stress. He is able!

I seldom reach out to others as I should. My past has taught me not to trust others freely. But I am learning to trust my new Christian family and God. I need your prayers as I try to move in to a new season of my life. My current situation is complicated, potentially dangerous for me and I need strength and protection to be able to able to get out of it. God is slowly making a way for me but I am so very impatient waiting. Please pray for me that His will will be done soon. I can then move on to a place where I can worship and live for Him freely. Thank you and God bless.

Praying that this new season is full of wonders from our Lord in ways you can’t even imagine. Praying you trust He will provide all that you need and that He is ever your shield, defender and protector.

“The concept of self reliance is wholly foreign to the Christian faith.” I am in a place where I am needing to reach out and connect more with others. The problem is I am content with not doing that. This lesson was a push in the right direction that I need others. Also I don’t have to do it alone, I have God’s spirit to help me.

I’ll definitely be praying for you and your husband!! I struggle with the same thing. Remember, Jesus is not just willing, but WANTING to relieve your worries and burden. He says “Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon for, and learn from Me, for I AM gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your soul. My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Praying! Lord please let her remember that You said not to worry or fear! You can handle it all. Please show up for her and her husband in a Mighty way in their Job situations. You are their source, protector, and provider! Please them with Your joy and peace! In Jesus’ Powerful Name! Amen. (Please google scriptures about fear or worrying and repeat them. It will help!

Hi friends. Could you please pray for me that I can let go of my worries, not carry them myself and give it to Jesus? This is a constant struggle for me. Right now I’m especially worried for the work situation for both my husband and myself. Thank you!

I pray for you my favorite scripture, that you will not worry about anything but in everything present your requests to God and the peace of God that passes all understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:6&7 There is so much freedom in this! He is able:)